When you’re in Barcelona, it’s never long before you stumble upon a piece of unmistakable architecture created by the great Antoni Gaudi.
(Photo: Julia Travel Gray Line Spain / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
Most prolific during the late 19th and early 20th century, the famous practitioner of Catalan modernist architecture had a uniquely recognisable style – a style that can be seen in buildings and landmarks dotted across the city. Such is his legacy that a number of tour companies in Barcelona offer guided excursions dedicated exclusively to discovering Gaudi’s vast body of work. We’ve picked out five of the best below.
Skip-the-Line Park Güell Guided Walking Tour
Alongside the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is considered to be one of Gaudi’s most accomplished and spectacular works. The creativity here is simply breath-taking and it would be easy for a layperson to overlook some of the finer details. That is why being accompanied by an expert licenced guide is such a popular choice, helping illustrate some of the more unusual aspects of his modernist masterpiece, while providing useful insights and answering your questions about the remarkable creations in front of you. This guided walking tour complete with skip-the-line access for maximum convenience offers that very opportunity. From €23 per person.
Discover Gaudi Architectural Guided Tour
(Photo: Barcelona Architecture Walks)
While some Gaudi tours skirt around the edges of the technical mastery behind his work, this immersive 3-hour walking tour really gets under the skin of the subject to provide deep insights into his creative genius – as well as Barcelona’s broader architectural landscape. Hosted by only practicing architects, most of whom are also architectural professors and critics, tours start in the morning and take in some of the city’s most prominent examples of the Modernisme period, including the three main residential buildings designed by Gaudi: Casa Calvet, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà. At the tour’s conclusion, guests receive a bespoke guide full of tips on the city’s architectural gems as well as the best spots for a well-earned, post-sightseeing drink. From €45 per person.
Gaudí Crypt in Colònia Güell with Audioguide
Roughly 20 minutes by road from central Barcelona is Colonia Güell, a former textile village where one of Antoni Gaudi’s most colourful and engaging creations now enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. On this tour, visitors can learn all about the work undertaken to form its twisting columns and unique architectural flourishes that were seen as his practice run before work began on the much larger and much more ambitious Sagrada Familia (still not finished almost a century after his death). The audio guide will fill in the gaps with added information and knowledge about the choices he made and what they signify in his work. From €10 per person.
The Beauty of Barcelona by Bike: Private Tour
(Photo: Withlocals / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
In a cycle-friendly city, what better way to immerse yourself in Gaudi’s Barcelona than on two wheels? During this private, 3-hour bike tour your local guide will take you to the most famous Gaudi sights while regaling you with intriguing stories about the artist’s life and career. Your journey will begin at Plaça Reial, alongside the eye-catching Gaudi lanterns, before moving on to famous landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia church, Parc de la Ciutadella where you can admire some of Gaudi’s early works, and even the hospital where he died. At the end of the tour, you’ll cycle back to your departure point armed with memories to cherish and a new-found appreciation of one of the world’s greatest ever artists. From €77 per person.
Feel like Gaudí: Barcelona Mosaic Workshop with Tour
Many believe you can only truly appreciate Gaudi’s works if you understand the history of modernism. This small-group walking tour combines visits to some of his most famed works with a mosaic-making workshop during which you can create your own souvenir to take home with you. In your group limited to just 10 people, you’ll be taken to Gaudi landmarks including Casa Mila (aka La Pedrera) and Casa Batlló. Later, you’ll head to the historic centre for a hands-on experience in a workshop, where you’ll be shown how to create a memento in Gaudí’s distinctive mosaic style known as Trencadís to bring the tour to a close. From €70 per person.